England handed Burgess injury boost

England have been given a boost with the fact that Sam Burgess’ injury isn’t as bad as first thought.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs star left the field during England’s defeat to Australia in the opening game of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and did not return through injury.

He suffered a medial knee ligament injury and the day after the game, he met up with a knee specialist.

And after the review of the injury, England medical staff and specialists have confirmed that Burgess will be back playing earlier than initially anticipated.

Burgess is expected to be fit for the semi-finals if England are to get there and there is a chance that he can make the quarter-finals.

Three Lions head coach Wayne Bennett admitted that he has every faith in whoever comes in to replace Burgess, who started in the back-row for England.

He said: “It was a blow to lose Sam so early in the game against Australia, but the team coped and completed against the number one side in the competition.

“He’ll be a loss, but we expect to see him back soon in the next few weeks and pushing for a place in the squad as we aim to make the quarter and semi-finals.

“Sam’s a tough player and he will be doing everything required of him to get fit again. We’ve got a good team here and everyone is behind each other, on and off the field.”